FINAL THEMATIC UNIT



[pic] FINAL THEMATIC UNIT

Fall, 2009 ECED 440/540

RATIONALE: Integration of curricula areas reflects real life experience in which subject areas are not isolated in schedule time slots. Linking two or more content areas in a lesson avoids fragmentation of learning and encourages the students to make connections across the curriculum. Also, elementary teachers (k-5) avoid science many times because of the lack of time and the emphasis on reading and math. By integrating, there will always be time for science!

TASK: To plan and write a thematic unit that integrates several of the curricula areas (math, art, reading, language arts, physical education, social studies, music, technology, etc.) with an overarching scientific theme. You may work alone, in pairs, or in groups of three. No matter how many in your group, each member will select two subjects and prepare three lessons for each subject under the overarching theme.

OBJECTIVES:

1. To plan/implement instructional strategies appropriate to primary, intermediate or middle level curricula areas based on knowledge or current research on the teaching/learning process.

2. To integrate content for a minimum of six curricula areas.

3. To select activities to be incorporated in the lessons which develop problem solving and critical thinking skills.

4. To extend concepts through an inquiry based approach to learning.

5. To apply decision-making skills in the selection of a variety of teaching methods and materials.

6. To plan lessons that provide for variations in grouping support independent thinking and creativity, encourage cooperative behavior and involve higher level thinking.

WRITTEN CURRICULA PLAN:

1. State the theme and the level (Pre–K, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, or 3rd or a combination of several grades) for which the unit is planned.

2. Title the unit. A catchy title invites enthusiastic curiosity.

3. List the key concepts that the children will understand at the end of each lesson.

4. Lessons:

a. Motivating – the initial lesson invites the students by using their prior knowledge or experiences and their interests.

b. Developing – the subsequent array of lessons provide the student opportunities to achieve the key concepts or skills. The lessons should permit a variety of grouping possibilities (cooperative, class, and individual), hands-on manipulation, avenues for exploration and discovery.

c. Number – For a group of three students, six different curricula areas must be included with a minimum of three lessons for each curriculum area.

5. Assessing: Included in the lessons, state how you will be assessing your students.

6. Bibliography: Be sure to list your resources. You do not need to re-invent the wheel. There are many good resources that you as an educator need to be able to find, and remember our website has many resources documented for you to review. You must give credit to reflect where your resources are located.

PRESENTATION IN December, 2009:

Each student or group will present a summary of their thematic unit for the class. Then the group is required to guide the class through one of the lessons found in the unit.

Remember to find a topic that you feel you will be using in your first teaching assignment! Whatever you do should be relevant and meaningful to YOU! As a class we can copy all of the units on a CD; therefore you would be leaving class with more resources for your teaching files.

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